Construction Products Regulation (CPR)

The Construction Products Regulation(CPR) has been adopted by the European Commission and UK Government and replaces the Construction Products Directive (CPD); the main provisions, however, will not come into force until July 2013. 

It will be mandatory for products within the scope of harmonised European Standards (hENs), to carry CE marking if they are to be placed on the UK market. 

For products not covered, or not fully covered, by a hEN, CE marking may be applied through a European Technical Assessment* (ETA) issued by a body such as the BBA - this is a voluntary process. 

The scope of the CPR is limited to regulated issues under seven basic requirements for construction works:

1. Mechanical resistance and stability.
2. Safety in case of fire.
3. Hygiene, health and the environment.
4. Safety and accessibility in use.
5. Protection against noise.
6. Energy economy and heat retention.
7. Sustainable use of natural resources.

Requirements vary between EU member states and often relate directly to national regulations. Therefore, although a product may have CE marking it may not be suitable for particular applications or for use within some member states, even though the marking allows it to be placed on the market there. 

Responsibility for ensuring that a product has the correct characteristics for a particular application rests with the designers, contractors and local building authorities. 

* European Technical Assessments replace current European Technical Approvals but content of the European Technical Assessments is yet to be finalised.